Emphasis Preaching Journal

Paul dead is still Paul, but Paul forsaking his faith to gain a bit more time on earth is a Paul dishonored in the eyes of God and in his own eyes. He does not anticipate heaven as a reward for his own virtue. He has already experienced the rewards of heaven in that inner satisfaction which can enable him to say, "I have fought the good fight." The words of Paul flow out of a profound sense of indebtedness to the One who appeared and has shown us what it means to succeed as a human being.